This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate changes in the prevalence and distribution of respiratory pathogens detected by multiplex respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing during and after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The study includes 537 patients presenting with respiratory infection symptoms at a tertiary care center. Patients were divided into pandemic-period and post-pandemic-period groups, and respiratory pathogen profiles were compared between the groups.
The study investigates the epidemiological impact of COVID-19-related public health measures on respiratory pathogen circulation patterns, including bacterial and viral respiratory infections. The findings may contribute to improved respiratory infection surveillance, diagnostic strategies, and post-pandemic public health preparedness.